Hell’s Kitchen

Hell’s Kitchen used to be a no-go zone. It was a gritty section of New York City with dangerous gang warfare and violent streets. Although West Side Story does not have any specific references (aside from its title), the plot, which was based on fractured race relations, was the story of Hell’s Kitchen pre-1990s–minus all the singing and dancing.

But Tyler Whitman, a Triplemint broker and a proud Hell’s Kitchen resident, says there is actually quite a bit of singing that still goes on today. The ‘hood retains some grit, in a charming New York way, but it is a genuine residential neighborhood in the midst of big changes, as new buildings and businesses spring up every day. But unlike a lot of other up-and-coming neighborhoods, Hell’s Kitchen has flown rather under the radar, with many New Yorkers still believing it’s an extension of Midtown or a stopover spot for dinner. Ahead, we break down why those in the know are moving to Hell’s Kitchen and all the amenities it has to offer for people to stay awhile.

A CetraRuddy-designed building at 572 Eleventh Avenue is now accepting applications for 46 newly constructed, mixed-income studios, one- and two-bedroom apartments. Developed by the Moinian Group, the Hell’s Kitchen rental, which recently topped out this June, rises 13 stories high and features 10,000 square feet of commercial retail at its cellar and ground floors. Qualifying New Yorkers earning 40, 60 and 130 percent of the area median income can apply for units ranging from a studio for $596/month to a two-bedroom for $2,715/month.

Part gnome-tastic rustic hobbit-hole and part “downtown loft,” this cozy little triplex at 520 West 50th Street in the heart of Hell’s Kitchen has the kind of rustic charm, wood details, and interesting layout that’s classic to a neighborhood quickly filling up with fancy architecture. Asking $675,000, the one-bedroom co-op is perfect for a new, modern overhaul, but the kitchen and bath have been updated and it’s definitely not a cookie-cutter box. And it is, after all, minutes from the Theater District and an explosion of things to do in Midtown and the far west side.

This morning, the Landmarks Preservation Commission (LPC) designated the former IRT Powerhouse (now the Con Ed Powerhouse) at 12th Avenue and 59th Street an official New York City landmark. The Beaux-Arts style building, designed in 1904 by McKim, Mead & White, is considered a remarkable example of the style applied to a utilitarian building. It was bestowed with such grandeur to convince the public to embrace the subway, a newly-created transportation option at the time. The monumental building not only powered the city’s the first subway line but upon completion 111 years ago it was the largest powerhouse in the world.

Back in 2015 architects and design buffs were excited to hear that Portuguese Pritzker Prize-winner Álvaro Siza would be designing his highly-anticipated first U.S. building on Manhattan’s west side in a neighborhood being called Hudson West. Now, CityRealty reports that developers Sumaida + Khurana and LENY have released renderings of the building at 611 West 56th Street on the former site of the Gristedes corporate headquarters. The development team has secured an acquisition loan, and demolition and foundation work have begun on the 35-story, 80-unit condo.

Just about a year ago, nine $774/month SROs at Stardom Hall at 330 West 51st Street became available through the city’s affordable housing lottery. While it was quite the deal–more so for its location on what is arguably Hell’s Kitchen’s most foodie-friendly block–the units had shared-floor bathrooms and just kitchenettes. But if those aren’t deterrents for you, 13 more units at the building next door, 332, are now up for grabs, asking $714/month. They’re available to single persons currently residing in Manhattan Community Board 4 and earning 60 percent of the area median income.

How much can you do with 410 square feet? Surprisingly, quite a bit. A renovation at this Hell’s Kitchen studio, located within the 433 West 54th Street cooperative, has tried to maximize space in any way possible. Case in point: a Murphy bed “cabinet” with the option to tuck your bed away in style, a corner kitchen lined with wood that also holds storage underneath a compact breakfast bar, and a fire escape that makes for a suitable outdoor space. After last selling in 2010 for $340,000, the studio is asking $425,000.

Located on the top floor of the Hell’s Kitchen co-op 857 Ninth Avenue and decked out with skylights (with their own retractable shades!), this $625,000 pad feels like it’s perched up in the clouds. 11.5-foot ceilings and two lofts, above the bedroom and kitchen, don’t hurt either. Nor do the Manhattan cityscape views from the Eastern facing windows. This home last sold for $549,000 in 2016. We’re guessing it got some upgrades before it was listed again this year.

Roof decks don’t get much better than this one atop the penthouse at 454 West 46th Street, also known as the Piano Factory. The $3.395 million two-bedroom co-op, with two bedrooms and two bathrooms, boasts a 3,000-square-foot private terrace, the only one in the city with its own bocce ball court. The court–which also functions as a golf putting green–is joined by a spacious sitting and dining area with a gas barbecue grill, as well as panoramic views of Midtown West. The apartment isn’t too bad either, which a glass atrium over the living and dining areas. This penthouse pad last sold in 2009 for $2.9 million and has been on and off the market asking as much as $4.1 million.

This two-bedroom duplex co-op at 357 West 55th Street in West Midtown has a lot going for it considering its $999,000 ask. With a double-height, exposed-brick wall and wood details such as the spiral stair that connects its two floors, there’s a warmth that makes this apartment unique. Two full baths make the space guest-friendly, in addition to the fact that you can enter from either floor.